Uganda coffee exports surge 56pc in September as global prices rally

October 30, 2025 in Land & Agriculture, Trade & Industry by Editor

Highlights of their assessment include the view that the economic recovery is strengthening with low inflation, favorable agricultural production, and strong industrial and services activity.

Uganda’s coffee exports surged in September, buoyed by higher production and a rebound in global prices, with earnings rising to US$218.6 million (UGX 766.7 billion) from 844,949 60-kg bags — a 56.1pc increase in volume and 48.2pc in value compared to the same month last year.

According to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), the average export price climbed to US$4.31 per kilogram, up from US$3.95 in August, reflecting stronger global demand amid supply concerns following proposed U.S. tariffs on Brazilian coffee. However, prices remained below the US$4.54/kg registered in September 2024.

UCDA attributed the performance mainly to robust Robusta output from central and eastern Uganda, where the harvest season is peaking. Over the 2024/2025 coffee year, Uganda shipped 8.2 million bags worth US$2.3 billion (UGX 8.1 trillion) — up 29.6pc in volume and 64.1pc in value from the previous year’s 6.4 million bags worth US$1.4 billion.

“The strong performance reflects sustained production recovery and favourable international prices,” UCDA noted, adding that the momentum reinforces coffee’s position as Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earner.

Robusta exports accounted for 771,704 bags worth US$190 million, while Arabica contributed 73,245 bags worth US$28.5 million.
Robusta volumes rose 50.2%, and Arabica exports jumped 166% in volume and 280% in value year-on-year.

Robusta fetched an average price of US$4.10/kg, led by Screen 17 Robusta at US$4.62/kg, while Arabica averaged US$6.50/kg, with Rwenzori C/PB topping at US$9.83/kg.
The share of sustainable or washed Robusta edged up to 0.33pc, though sustainable Arabica exports slipped to 7pc, down from 14pc in August.

At the producer level, farm-gate prices showed continued improvement.
Robusta Kiboko averaged UGX 6,500/kg (up from UGX 5,250), FAQ traded at UGX 13,750, Arabica parchment sold for UGX 14,500, and Drugar fetched UGX 13,750/kg.
UCDA attributed the gains to increased global demand and stronger competition among exporters.

Ten leading exporters handled 69pc of shipments, up from 64pc in August.
Sucafina led with 11.4pc market share, followed by Olam International (10.3pc), Touton SA (7.9pc), Louis Dreyfus (6.4pc), and Ecom Agro Industrialist (4.1pc).

Italy remained the top destination, taking 25.6pc of exports, ahead of Germany (13pc), Morocco (7.5pc), Sudan (6.8pc), and Algeria (5.9pc).
Europe absorbed 61pc of total shipments, while African markets took 22pc, dominated by Morocco, Sudan, Algeria, and Egypt.

Globally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects world coffee production for 2025/26 at 178.7 million bags, up 4.3 million from last year — driven by recoveries in Vietnam and Indonesia and record output in Ethiopia.
However, tight stocks and tariff uncertainty are expected to sustain price volatility through early 2026.

Worldwide exports are forecast at 122.3 million bags, supported by Asian and East African growth, while consumption is expected to reach 169.4 million bags, underscoring steady global demand.

With production strengthening and prices holding firm, the UCDA expects Uganda’s coffee exports to maintain strong momentum through the final quarter of 2025, aided by favourable weather, ongoing investment in value addition, and sustainability programs.